Obituaries

William Mason Caldwell, 58, passed away peacefully on July 20, 2018 into a world of endless sun and surf surrounded by his loved ones.  He fought a long, hard battle with pancreatic cancer and faced his illness with the same dignity, grace and determination as he lived his life.

Bill impatiently burst into this world in 1960 not wanting to waste a single second to get started on a lifetime of adventure.  He was raised in Fair Haven, New Jersey and graduated from Rumson-Fair Haven Regional High School.  He received a bachelor’s degree in Marketing from Monmouth University.  He began his sales career at the age of three when he picked the neighbors prized roses and sold them back to the owners for a “paper dollar”.  He had a successful career in Sales with the Asbury Park Press for 30 years.  His retirement in 2015 allowed him time to pursue his many hobbies and interests.  A talented wood worker, his pride and joy is “Willa”, a Chesapeake Light Craft that he built with lots of sweat, determination and perseverance.  Bill lived his life to the fullest and was an accomplished surfer, snowboarder and skate boarder. He enjoyed kayaking, sailing, fishing and paddle boarding.  His love of the ocean took him around the world surfing, fishing and enjoying the sun with his friends and family.

Rita Ida Gallagher (nee Brieden) passed away on Sunday, July 15, 2018, at her home in Ocean Twp, NJ, with her daughter Laurajane Wikoff by her side and one of her favorite Frank Sinatra songs playing in the background.  She was 94 years old and was born in Jersey City, NJ.

Everyone who knew Rita thought of her as an immeasurably loving, optimistic, strong and smart woman.  She had an infectious sense of humor that won everyone over.  She was self-sacrificing and always willing to help anyone in need.  She always had kind words to say about everyone she met.  She was an adoring wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother and friend.  She had a passion for sewing and painting and often blessed her family and friends with handmade gifts that they treasured.  She loved traveling with her husband Harold “Gal” and would often boast about the 32 cross-country trips they made by car.  The only state she never saw was Oregon.

Doris Pomphrey Robinson, late of Red Bank, formerly of Rumson and Tinton Falls; age 100. Doris was the daughter of the late Edwin and Olive Pomphrey. She was a 1935 graduate of Rumson High School.

She worked for five years in Washington DC for the Tennessee Valley Authority, providing needed secretarial work during World War Two. She returned to Rumson to help care for her family. She was then a civilian worker for the U.S. Army at Fort Monmouth for 45 years, retiring in 1982. She was a lifelong member of the Rumson Presbyterian Church, serving as a Deacon and Sunday School teacher as well as a member of their Senior Citizens' Group. After retiring, she gave over 7800 hours of volunteer work, both to Riverview Hospital (from 1974 to 2010) and at the Twin Lights Historic Site in The Highlands for fifteen years.

It is with tremendous sadness and regret that we announce the passing of Peter Thomas McHeffey, age 64.  He will be greatly missed by his family and friends.  He passed suddenly on July 12, 2018.

He is predeceased by his parents Murray and Mickey McHeffey; brother David McHeffey and nephew Keith McHeffey. 

He leaves behind his wife and best friend of 44 years Christine Ganz McHeffey; his son Peter Thomas McHeffey, Jr. and his daughters Meredith Anne Price and her husband Sean Price and  Caitlin Elizabeth Olesky.  Peter also leaves behind his grandchildren whom he loved so much -  his grandsons Cullan Sean Price, Aidan Joseph Olesky and granddaughters Isla Christine Price, Keirra Dawn Price and Elle Sophia Olesky due September 2018.  

Lara Danielle Scarantino, age 50 of Lincroft, NJ passed away on July 7^th, 2018. Lara was born to Gabriel and MaryAnn Troiano in 1968 and resided in Lincroft, NJ.

Lara is a graduate of St Joseph by the Sea High School in SI, NY and FIT in NY, NY where she earned a bachelor’s degree in fashion and design.   She had a career in garment sales in the fashion industry until she decided to become a full time mother. Lara is survived by 2 beautiful daughters Hailey & Ava along with her husband Bobby. She is also survived by her mother MaryAnn and three siblings Gary, Marissa, Corinne and her stepmother Karen.

Charles  Bernie Donnelly died peacefully surrounded by family on July 9, 2018. He loved life and enjoyed it to the fullest as an honest, hardworking, wonderful example to his children, grandchildren and friends. Charlie was married to his child hood sweetheart, Eleanor, who predeceased him in 2006.  They were married for 55 years and would have celebrated their 66 wedding anniversary this past 4^th of July.  He met the love of his life when they were 12 and 14 years old in New York City where they both grew up.   Charlie was friends with her brothers and Eleanor used to hang on to the back of his bike on her roller skates for a ride!   Charlie went to St. Monica’s Elementary school where he served as an altar server.  He was always chosen to do early Masses because he was an early riser and dependable at a young age.  He enlisted in the Marines as a teenager and served on the U.S.S. Midway in the Korean War.  He was injured in battle so was awarded the Purple Heart and the Silver Star.  The Silver Star is the 3^rd highest personal decoration for valor in combat.  He was awarded these honors by President Harry S. Truman at the White House.

Mary S. O’Brien, age 97, passed away peacefully on July 3, 2018.  Mary was born in Fall River, MA, the last of five children born to Frank and Maria Arruda.  In 1948 she married Robert O’Brien and together they raised their family in Brooklyn, NY.  They later moved to Toms River and then the Middletown/Red Bank area.  Mary was a stay at home mom who loved to bake and cook.  She was a communicant of St. Mary’s Parish in New Monmouth.

Karen A. Tarnecki, 61, passed away at home on June 28, 2018.  Karen was born in Jersey City to Peter and Helen (Way) Osnato.  She was very involved with the Girl Scouts as her daughters grew up and loved summers at the beach.  Karen was a bookkeeper for Forever Changes Inc. at their Billabong store in Shrewsbury.  She was a generous and caring member of her local community.  

Gilbert Louis Fanciullo died peacefully and with unwavering dignity on June 26, 2018, surrounded by his adoring children. He was born on August 30, 1928, and has gone to join his loving wife of 70 years Betty who died exactly one month ago and his brother Saverio and sister Lillian.

He was a loving, devoted, and strong man who always put his four children’s and six grandchildren’s welfare above his own. He maintained control of his own life and destiny until the end. How one dies is a strong personal legacy and Dad's death will serve as a model for all who follow him. We miss him and will admire his life and love forever. In addition to his children and grandchildren he is survived by his brother Bill and countless cousins, nieces and nephews, and friends.

On Wednesday evening, June 20^th, Pat Freeman completed her life journey. Born to Eugene and Loretta Lally in Orange NJ on New Year’s Eve 1927, Pat was a very independent woman who was always a friend to all. After raising three children, Pat enrolled in college and earned a Business Associates degree at Brookdale Community College in 1978 at the age of 51. She became a Purchasing Agent eventually finishing her career working at the Monmouth County Courthouse in Freehold.